Data Holder, System And Method

ABSTRACT

A protective data holding vault that includes a module with onboard memory that can be configured as a drive, e.g. flash drive, attached to a machine or apparatus and which securely and protectively holds data associated with the machine or apparatus and a unique identifier thereof. The vault includes a casing with a receptacle in which the module is received and a cover that is sealingly attachable to the casing to cover the receptacle and protect the module in the receptacle. The vault is mounted in a pocket on the machine or apparatus, or a component therefor or thereof, and is linkable to a processor equipped device, such as via a USB link, enabling data stored on the vault to be retrieved and stored offboard providing secure data backup. In one system implementation, data synchronization can be performed to a remotely located storage device with bidirectional data transfer contemplated.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/111,725, filed Nov. 5, 2008, andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/218,942, filed Jun. 20, 2009,the entirety of each which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a data holder that is attachable to amachine or apparatus, an apparatus or a component therefor and moreparticularly to a data holder, system and method for retaining machineor apparatus related data in a secured manner.

BACKGROUND

In the past, blueprints and other data related to machines andapparatuses was typically provided in paper form or on a CD-ROM that wasshipped with the machine or apparatus. This required a person to keeptrack of the location of this material and to find it when needed.Unfortunately, this information was often lost or very difficult andtime-consuming to find resulting in lost time as well as calls to themanufacturer, supplier or distributor of the machine or apparatus tohave them replace the lost information.

What is needed is a device, system and method for helping to ensure suchdata related to a particular machine or apparatus remains associatedwith the machine or apparatus and is easily and conveniently accessible.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a data vault, system and method forhelping to ensure data related to a particular machine or apparatusremains associated with the machine or apparatus and is conveniently andeasily accessible when needed. The data vault includes a ruggedizedcasing having a receptacle formed in it that receives an electronicmodule equipped with onboard memory and which can be equipped with aprocessor. A cover is attached to the casing and movable between aclosed position where the cover encloses the receptacle and protects themodule received in the receptacle in a manner that provides a sealpreventing dirt, debris, solvents and the like from getting into thereceptacle and contacting the electronic module.

In one preferred embodiment, a sealing arrangement is provided thatfluid tightly and/or air tightly seals the receptacle when the cover isclosed. One sealing arrangement includes an elastomeric sealing platewith an outwardly extending sealing bead attached by a mount that can bea plate to the cover and which seats in the receptacle. The receptaclecan have a seal bead receiving seat formed therein that helps facilitatesealing.

The cover is pivotally connected to the casing and includes afascinating arrangement that enables the cover to be releasably, yetpositively secured to the casing. Both the cover and the casing are madeof a durable, tough and resilient material, such as aluminum, capable ofproviding radio frequency interference suppression and/orelectromagnetic suppression. In a preferred embodiment, the casing ismachined of a single blank producing a casing of one-piece, unitary, andsubstantially homogeneous construction.

The casing is configured to permit mounting to part of a machine orapparatus, such as a component thereof, in a manner that protectivelysecures the casing and hence the vault to the machine or apparatus. Thevault can include a unique identifier, such as visually perceptibleindicia, unique to the vault that enables data held by the electronicmodule to be associated with the particular machine or apparatus towhich the vault is mounted. In one embodiment, indicia as applied to aplate attached to an outer viewable surface of the casing and canoverlie a label of tamperproof construction that covers fastener is usedto attach the casing to the machine or apparatus.

The electronic module includes onboard memory, such as flash memory orin other type of memory able to retain its memory in the absence ofelectrical power. The electronic module can include a processor andincludes an interface enabling connection via a link to a processorequipped device, such as a computer, a PDA, a handheld mobile device, orthe like enabling data stored in the electronic module memory that isassociated with the machine or apparatus to which the vault containingthe module is attached to be backed up, including to a remotely locatedstorage device. Such an electronic module can be configured to includeone or more onboard electronic modules, such as for power generationand/or storage, wireless communication with the processor-equippeddevice via wireless link, as well as for counting cycles, such asmolding cycles, stamping cycles and/or thermal cycles.

In one preferred embodiment, the electronic module is configured with adrive, such as a USB drive or a flash drive, on which an executableprogram is stored that can be read and executed by the processorequipped device to facilitate backing up of data to the processorequipped device as well as backing up of data to a remotely located datastorage unit, such as a data storage server or Web server. In addition,such an executable program stored onboard the electronic module can beconfigured to enable either the processor equipped device or the datastorage server to perform data synchronization, to further backed upadditional data that has accumulated and/or recently been stored inmemory of the module.

Other advantages, benefits and features of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detaileddescription and viewing the related drawings.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

One or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention areillustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumerals represent like parts throughout and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a protectivedata holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation cross sectional view of the data holder takenalong lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of thecover of the data holder disposed in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the data holder;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an outer cover having a plurality of uniqueidentifiers in the form of visually perceptible indicia; and

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a portion of the cover with a uniqueidentifier in the form of a further visually perceptible indicia shownthereon.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a data holder connected by a cable linkto a computer enabling data transfer therebetween;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the data holder with itscover an open position illustrating a connector of the cable pluggedinto a complementary connector of the electronic memory containingmodule disposed in the data holder;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a machine or apparatus that is a plasticinjection molding machine with the data holder mounted in a pocket in aside plate of the molding machine;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another machine or apparatus that is aset of stamping dies with a data holder constructed in accordance withthe present invention attached to one of the guys;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of one preferred embodiment of anelectronic module that is receivable in a casing of the data holder;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of anelectronic module that is receivable in a casing of the data holder;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an electronic module receivable in thecasing of a data holder along with a memory block diagram depictingdigital data capable of being stored in the memory onboard theelectronic module; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a system and illustrating a methodemploying a plurality of data holders each mounted to a particularmachine or apparatus and uniquely associated therewith enabling back upof stored data to a processor equipped device as well as to a remotelylocated backup storage unit.

Before explaining one or more embodiments of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments, which can be practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 illustrates an electrical device and data protecting vaultassembly 30 that includes a protective data holder 32 that houses anelectronic device 34 with the vault 30 being mountable to a machine orapparatus 36 (FIGS. 7 and 8) with the electronic device 34 configured tohold digital data pertaining to the machine or apparatus 36. Withadditional reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the electronic device 34 is anelectronic module 38 that includes a processor 40, memory 42, and aninterface 44 that is connectable to via a link 46, such as a cable 48,to another processor-equipped electronic device 50, such as a computer52. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cable 48 isan electrical cable with a computer connector 49 connected to a computerconnector 51 of the interface 44. One such computer connector is a USBmale connector 53 (FIGS. 7 and 8) that is releasably engageable with afemale USB connector 55 (FIG. 4) onboard the electronic module 38.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and electrical device and dataprotecting vault 30 constructed in accordance with the present inventioncan include one or more identifiers, such as visually perceptibleindicia 54, 56 and 58, uniquely associated with the vault 30 pertainingto the machine or apparatus 36 to which the vault 30 is mounted and/orpertaining to digital data stored on the electronic module 38. Forexample, as is shown in FIG. 5, the data holder 32 can be equipped witha plate 60 which has one or more visually perceptible indicia, such as aproject number 52, e.g., “#####”, and/or a serial number 54, e.g.,“#####-#####-#”, shown thereon. With reference to FIG. 4, such visuallyperceptible indicia can be provided on a label 64 that can be oftamper-proof construction, which can be adhesively applied on part ofthe protective data holder 32. If desired, one or more uniqueidentifiers, such as identification number 56, e.g., “ID #####” can beprovided in another location, such as directly on part of the dataholder 32. For example, as is shown in FIG. 6, identification number 56is printed directly on a cover 62 of the data holder 32.

The protective data holder 32 includes a casing 66 that has an opening68 that communicates with a receptacle 70 formed in it that receives theelectronic module 38 with the receptacle 70 configured to enable themodule 38 to be oriented with its interface 44 disposed in or adjacentthe opening 68. In a currently preferred embodiment, the casing 66 is ofone-piece, unitary and substantially homogeneous construction withopening 68 and receptacle 70 integrally formed therein. For example, inone preferred embodiment, the casing 66 machined, such as by wire EDM orECM machining, of aluminum to form its shape and features includingopening 68 and cavity 70. Such a casing construction advantageouslyhelps provide magnetic field and electric field shielding providing dataprotection to data stored in the electronic module 38. Such a casingconstruction also helps produce a protective data holder 32 that isstrong and tough such that it physically protects an electronic module38 received in the cavity 70 in the casing 66.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the casing 66 can be generallyelongate with the cavity 70 formed in it also being elongate so as toaccommodate an elongate electronic module 38. The casing 66 has a rearwall 72 (FIG. 1), a front wall 74 (FIG. 4), a pair of side walls 76, 78,and a pair of end walls 80, 82, one of which has opening 68 formedtherein. As is best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, sidewall 78 has athickness sufficient to accommodate a plurality of spaced apartthrough-bores 84, 86 that extend generally transversely to alongitudinal axis of the electronic module receiving receptacle 70enabling a corresponding plurality of fasteners 88, 90, such as threadedbolts, of a mounting arrangement 92 to be received in a correspondingthrough-bore 84, 86 in mounting the protective data holder 32 to machineor apparatus 36. Although not shown, each one of the threaded fasteners88, 90 is received in a corresponding threaded bore in the machine orapparatus 36 to which the casing 66 is mounted.

To help produce a protective data holder 32 that is of compactconstruction, the electronic module receiving receptacle 70 can beoffset towards one of the side walls 76 resulting in a margin along theother one of the sidewall 78 of greater thickness that is sufficient toaccommodate through-bores 84, 86 without the bores 84, 86 intruding intoreceptacle 70. Such an arrangement helps ensure that the casing 66provides a protective receptacle 70 that is sealed when the cover 62 isclosed preventing dirt, debris, oil, and the like from entering thereceptacle 70.

Such an offset receptacle 70 enables a threaded bore 94 to be formed inthe top wall of the casing 66 for receiving a threaded fastener 96 thatextends through a bore 98 in the cover 62 enabling the cover 62 to besecured in a closed position, such as depicted in FIG. 3, coveringreceptacle opening 68. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded fastener96 is a thumbscrew or the like that is configured for enabling manualtightening during cover closure and manual loosening when seeking todisengage the cover 62 when opening the cover.

The cover 62 is provided with a sealing arrangement 100 that provides aseal when the cover 62 is disposed in the closed position helping toprevent dirt, debris, oil and the like from entering the receptacle 70and damaging the electronic module 38. In a preferred embodiment, thesealing arrangement 100 is configured to fluid tightly seal thereceptacle 70 when the cover 62 is closed. In another preferredembodiment, the sealing arrangement 100 is configured to air tightlyseal the receptacle 70 when the cover 62 is closed.

The sealing arrangement 100 includes a seal 102 secured to a casingmating surface 104 of the cover 62 by a seal holder 106. The seal holder106 includes a seal holding plate 108 having a pair of bores 110therethrough that each receives a threaded fastener 112 used to attachthe plate 108 to the cover 62. As is shown in FIG. 3, each threadedfastener 112 is received in a threaded bore 114 formed in the casingmating surface 104 of the cover 62.

As is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seal 102 is a resilient plate 116with bores 117 in it that accommodate fasteners 112. The seal plate 116can be of elastomeric construction and includes a generally outwardlyradiused sealing bead 120 received in a corresponding generallycomplementarily contoured seal seat 122 formed in the casing 66 aboutthe periphery of the receptacle opening 68. When the cover 62 is closed,each sealing bead 120 is at least partially is received in acorresponding seal seat 122 helping produce a more positive seal. As isdepicted in FIG. 3, as the cover securing fastener 96 is tightened whenthe cover 62 is disposed in the closed position, at least a portion ofthe bead 120 of the seal plate 116 is urged into tight sealing contactwith a chamfered surface 124 of a sealing lip 126 of seal seat 122helping to produce a more positive seal. As the cover securing fasteneris tightened, compression of the seal between the cover 62 and casingtop wall 80 along or adjacent seal seat 122 can occur which can furtherimprove sealing.

The cover 62 is attached to the casing 66 by a hinge arrangement 128that includes an arm 130 with a cylindrical journal 132 defining a hingeknuckle that is received between a pair of spaced apart arms 134integrally formed of the casing 66 that each include a respectivecylindrical journal 136 also defining hinge knuckles. When the journals132, 136 are aligned, a pivot pin 138 is inserted through the journals132, 136 pivotably attaching the cover 62 to the casing 66. The hingearrangement 128 is configured so as to enable the cover 62 to pivotoutwardly during opening away from the machine or apparatus 36 to whichthe casing 66 is attached.

Cover 62 has a base 140 with a thumb grip 142 extending outwardly fromthe base 140 enabling a user to engage the thumb grip 142 to urge thecover 62 between the closed position and an open position disposed fromthe closed position when fastener 96 is disengaged from casing 66. Thethumb grip 142 has a recess 144 that provides access to enable manualgrasping of fastener 96 to either engage it with the casing 66 whensecuring the cover 62 to the casing 66 and enclosing the cover 62 or todisengage the fastener 96 from the casing 66 when opening the cover 62.

The front wall 74 can include a pocket 146 formed therein in which thelabel 64 and/or plate 60 (FIG. 5) can be received. In one embodiment,such as depicted in FIG. 4, an outer layer 148, such as a transparentsheet or the like, can be disposed on top of the label 64, such as tohelp protect the label 64.

In assembly, label 64 and/or plate 60 overlies fasteners 88, 90 afterthe fasteners 88, 90 are used to attach the casing 66 to the machine orapparatus 36. With the label 64 and/or plate 60 overlying the fasteners88, 90, the fasteners 88, 90 are hidden from view. In one preferredembodiment, label 64 and/or plate 60 is of tamperproof constructionthereby helping to ensure integrity of the vault assembly 30. Forexample, where attached to a particular machine or apparatus 36 andcontaining data specific to that particular machine or apparatus 36,such a tamperproof label 64 and or plate 60 arrangement will make itapparent should tampering occur.

In another embodiment, the pocket 146 is defined by an upraised lip 150encompassing the periphery of the pocket 146 with the lip 150 having aninterruption 152 therein permitting label 64 and/or plate 60 removal,such as upon rotation of the cover 62 to a particular position orremoval of the cover 62 from the casing 66. Lip 150 is configured toprovide a snap fit or interference fit with label 64, plate 60, and/orouter layer 148 thereby retaining the label 64 plate 60 and/or outerlayer 148 in the pocket 146 once inserted into the pocket 146.

One machine or apparatus 36 with which the data protecting vaultassembly 30 is particularly well suited for use is a plastic injectionmolding machine 154, such as depicted in FIGS. 7-9. With specificreference to FIG. 9, the molding machine 154 has an upper mold half 156that cooperates with a lower mold half 158 with one or both of the moldhalves 156, 158 having or carrying a cavity (not shown) in which amoldable material, such as plastic, is injected. Opening and closing ofone mold half 156 relative to the other mold half 158 during eachmolding cycle is guided by a plurality of pairs of posts (not shown),each of which is guided in a corresponding bore 160.

Each mold half 156, 158 can be respectively formed of a plurality ofmold plates 162, 164, 166 and 168. Such plates 162-168, for example, caninclude a top plate 162, a stripper plate 164, a cavity plate 166, and acore plate 168. The top plate 162 includes an upper sprue or opening170. Below the lower mold half 158 are a pair of spaced part side plates172, 174 that are disposed on a lower mold plate 176. Between the sideplates 172, 174 is an ejector plate 178 that is guided up and downduring molding by a plurality of ejector plate guide cylinders 180.

The vault 30 is disposed in a pocket 182 formed in one of the sideplates 172. The pocket 182 can be an elongate channel as is shown inFIG. 9 and can extend to one end 184 of the side plate 172 providingclearance to open and close the cover 62. The pocket opening 184 canfacilitate insertion of the vault 30 in the pocket 182 and also makes iteasy to access the electronic module 34 inside the casing 66 when thevault cover 62 is opened. Mounting the vault 30 in this location isadvantageous as it facilitates easy access to the electronic module 34in the vault 30. Mounting the vault 30 to one of the side plates 172 isalso advantageous by helping to reduce the vibration and shock loads towhich the vault 30 and the electronic module 34 are subjected.

Referring once again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the vault 30 can be mounted in apocket 186 in a plate of an upper mold half 156. In each case, pocket182 or 186 is configured so that the outer surface of the casing 66 ofthe vault 30 is substantially flush with an outer surface the plate ofthe mold machine 154 in which the pocket is disposed. The outer surfaceof the casing 66 includes one or more indicia thereon, e.g., 54, 56,such as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 thereby ensuring it is visuallyperceptible to anyone walking by or standing adjacent the vault 30. In apreferred embodiment, the vault 30 is mounted to the upper mold half 156during or upon manufacture with data relating to the upper mold half156, such as cavity configuration data, cavity print(s), temperaturedata, etc. stored on the electronic module 38. The vault 30 then remainsattached to the upper mold half 156 during shipment as well as duringuse and operation of the upper mold half 156 in a plastic injectionmold, such as mold 156.

Such an electronic device and data protecting vault assembly 30 is alsowell suited for use with other types of machines and apparatuses,particularly those that typically require a great deal of data to bestored about the machine, apparatus, or a component therefor. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 10, vault 30 is shown attached to partof another machine or apparatus 36′ portion that is a set of stampingdies 188 having a set of stamping die plates 190, 192 movable relativeto one another on a plurality of guides 194. One of the stamping dieplates 192 can include a pair of outwardly extending mounts 196, such asis shown in FIG. 10 enabling releasable mounting in a stamping press orthe like. One of the stamping die plates 192 can be configured with arecess 198 or pocket formed therein in which the vault 30 is mounted,such as is depicted in FIG. 10.

In a preferred embodiment, vault 30 is attached to one of the stampingdie plates during, upon or after manufacture and contains data relatingto the stamping pattern 200, such as a three dimensionally contouredopposed die plate surface, formed or otherwise configured in one or bothplates 190, 192. Such data can include CAD/CAM drawing files, setupdata, maintenance data, cycling data, and the like. As previouslydiscussed, vault 30 preferably remains attached to one of the stampingdie plates 192 during shipping, assembly to a stamping press, and duringuse in the press.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device 34 a that isreceivable in the casing 66 of vault 30 that is an electronic module 38a that is or otherwise includes a flash drive 202, such as a USB flashdrive having a USB connector 55. As previously discussed regarding themodule 38 shown in FIG. 4, module 38 a includes a circuit board 204 orthe like to which a plurality of electrical components is attached onone or both sides. Circuit board 204 includes a processor 40 and memory42 that preferably is flash memory or another type of memory thatretains its data in the absence of electrical power. The amount ofonboard memory 42 is sufficient for the amount of data relating to themachine or apparatus 36 to which a vault 30 housing module 38 a isattached. In one preferred embodiment, the amount of onboard memory 42is at least 2 GB. In another preferred embodiment, the amount of onboardmemory 42 can range between 2 GB and 256 GB. Processor 40 can be amicroprocessor or microcontroller and can include an FPGA or beconnected to an onboard FPGA if desired.

The module 38 a also can be configured with a plurality of othercomponents, such as a power module 206 and a wireless communicationsmodule 208. Power module 206 can include a source of power, such as abattery. In another preferred embodiment, the power module 206 includesan energy transducer 210 that can be of photovoltaic, thermoelectric,piezoelectric, inductive or radio frequency construction coupled to abattery 212, such as a thin-film battery, a high-capacity storagecapacitor, e.g. ultracapacitor, or another type of electrical energystorage unit.

An example of a suitable power module 206 that can be employed is a zeropower wireless sensor arrangement using an energy conversion transducer,e.g. transducer 210, tied to an integrated rechargeable power storagedevice, e.g., power storage device 212, that provides electrical powerto a wireless link or transceiver length of communications module 208that can provide RF, optical or infrared wireless signals. As a result,wireless transfer of digital data stored in memory 42 can be done via awireless link between module 38 a and processor-equipped electronicdevice, such as computer 52 (FIG. 7) via a wireless link betweencommunications module 208 and computer 52. In addition, computer 52 canbe connected via cable link 46, such as in the manner depicted in FIG.7.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of an electronic module 38 bhaving an onboard processor 40 as well as onboard memory 42. Inaddition, while also being configurable with one or both modules 206 and208 of electronics module 38 a, electronics module 38 b includes anonboard sensor arrangement 214 having one or more sensors 216, 218configured to detect apparatus cycling, such as to provide mold cyclecount when the module 38 b is used in a data vault 30 used with aforming machine, such as a plastics injection molding machine 156, orused in a data vault 30 mounted to part of a press, such as stamping diearrangement 188. In another preferred implementation, one or moresensors 216, 218 of sensor arrangement 214 is a heat sensor enabling athermal cycle count to be obtained. Each such sensor 216 and/or 218 ofsuch a sensor arrangement 215 onboard electronic module 38 b cancommunicate with processor 40 and/or memory 42 enabling cycle count,e.g., mold cycle count, stamping press cycle count, or thermal cyclecount, to be stored in memory 42 and uploaded to an electronics device,such as computer 52 (FIG. 7) via cable link 46 or a wireless link.

FIG. 13 generally schematically depicts a memory block diagram 220illustrating how the onboard memory 42 can be allocated and implementinga machine or apparatus data holding system and method in accordance withthe present invention. Memory block diagram 220 can be illustrative of amemory stack or contents of memory 42 arranged or configured in a mannerother than depicted in diagram 220. At least one portion 222 of theonboard memory 42 can be loaded, e.g. preloaded, with digitalinformation configured in the form of a program 223, such as a networkinstallable, e.g. “.msi”, software package or program, or an executable,e.g., “.exe”, program readable by a processor-equipped device, such ascomputer 52, when it is linked to the electronic module 38, such as viaits USB interface 51.

In one preferred implementation, memory portion or block 222 isconfigured with such a program 223 that can be configured toautomatically run when module 38 is linked to an electronic device,e.g., computer 52, which does not have the program 223 alreadyinstalled. In one preferred implementation, the electronic module 38 isor includes a flash drive, such as a USB flash drive, equipped with abootable partition, e.g. all or part of memory portion/block 222, whichautomatically is read and executed when the module 38 is linked to anelectronic device, such as computer 52, configured with a conventionaloperating system, such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP, MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA,MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7, Linux, a mobile device operating system, such asWINDOWS CE or the like, or another operating system capable ofautomatically reading and running such a program 223 stored onboardmemory 42 of electronics module 38.

Startup program 223 can be a shell or menu program capable of selectingother programs stored on memory 42 and can be configured to detect whena device, e.g. computer 52, has linked for the first time with themodule 38 to cause it to download to the linked electronic device, e.g.computer 52 and run startup program 223 or another program stored inmemory 42 to install a particular software program or software packageon the linked device, e.g. computer 52. After that, each time thedevice, e.g. computer 52, links to module 38, the software program orpackage that was installed upon first link up with module 38 isautomatically executed. In another preferred implementation, each timethe device, e.g. computer 52, links to module 38 a program, such asstartup program 223 is automatically loaded and executed by the device,e.g. computer 52.

Memory portion/block 222 or another memory portion or block, such asmemory portion or block 224 is configured with its own unique identifier226 stored in digital format in memory 42 that corresponds one or moreunique identifiers 54, 56, and/or 58 enabling the unique identifier 226to be used by a software package or program, such as program 223,including in a database, to associate other data, including data onboardmemory 42 and data being downloaded via linked computer 52 to the memory42, which relates to the machine or apparatus 36 to which the vault 30holding electronics module 38 is mounted. This enables the uniqueidentifier 226 to be used to associate such data relating to the machineor apparatus 36 to which the vault 30 is mounted with that specificmachine or apparatus as well as to associate data, including the samedata stored in memory 42, relating to the machine or apparatus 36 towhich vault 30 is mounted that is stored elsewhere off board electronicsmodule 38. As is discussed in more detail below, such data associatedwith the unique identifier 226 of a particular machine or apparatus 36can be stored in a database or the like in an electronic device, such ascomputer 52 or a server, which is part of a network and which can beremotely located from the location of the machine or apparatus 36. Anexample of such a remotely located server is a Web server connected tothe Internet.

One or more of the memory portions/blocks 222, 224 or another block,such as 228, 230, and/or 232 can be used to hold a password 234 thatprovides password protection for the data stored onboard module 38pertaining to the machine or apparatus 36 to which the vault 30 holdingthe module 38 is attached. Another program, such as a software utilityor the like, requiring entry of the password 234 in order to access datastored in memory 42 on module 38 can be included as part of the startupprogram 223 on the module 38 and can be configured to automatically runon a device, e.g., computer 52, linking with the module 38 upon linking.Such a program can also be configured to enable first-time user passwordset up upon initial linking by a device, e.g. computer 52, with themodule 38.

One or more of the memory portions/blocks 224-232 is configured to holddata specific to the machine or apparatus 36 to which the vault 30 isattached is configured to include, for example, print data 236, such asCAD/CAM prints of a die, a stamp, a mold, or other component of machineor apparatus 36, set up data 238, such as mold or stamping die set updata, component and materials specifications 240, a bill of materials242 relating to the machine or apparatus 36 or one or more componentstherefore, part pictures 244 of components of the machine or apparatus36, contacts 246 including manufacturer website, address and telephoneinformation relating to the builder, distributor, installer, servicefirm or the like, repair history data 248, operations related data 250such as cycle count and/or thermal data, warranty information 252, datalogs 254, such as operational and quality control logs, as well as otherdata 256 related to the machine or apparatus 36. Such an arrangement ofdata stored in memory 42 can be in the form of a database 257

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram 258 of use and operation of asystem 260 capable of being used with one or more machines orapparatuses 36 a, 36 b, and 36 c in a particular facility 262 that areeach equipped with a vault assembly 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c that eachprotectively houses an electronic module 38 connectable via a link 46 a,46 b and 46 c to a processor-equipped electronic device 50, such as anotebook computer 52, a handheld PDA, a cellular phone, or anotherprocessor equipped device. As previously discussed, a software program,such as startup program(s) 223 stored in module 38 of each vault 30 a,30 b, and 30 c can be configured to upload data, e.g., data 236-256,from the memory 42 onto the electronic device 50, e.g. computer 52,where it can be stored to provide a redundant backup of the data. Eachsuch set of data, e.g. data 236-256, is associated using its uniqueidentifier 226 in a database in memory of the electronic device 50,e.g., computer 52, so that the uploaded data, e.g., data 236-256,remains associated in the database with the particular machine orapparatus 36 a, 36 b, and 36 c to which the particular vault 30 a, 30 b,30 c is attached. Bidirectional data transfer is contemplated to enabledata from the electronic device 50, e.g., computer 52, to be downloaded,such as via link 46, and stored in memory 42 of the module 38protectively housed in vault 30 attached to machine or apparatus 36having the unique identifier with which the downloaded data will beassociated forth with.

Device 50, such as computer 52, can be connected, such as via a link264, to a network 268, such as the Internet 270, to upload the dataassociated which each one of the machines or apparatuses 36 a, 36 b and36 c it had downloaded from the respective vault 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c,to a remotely located processor-equipped device 272, such as a datastorage server 274, via a link 274, such as a network or Internet link.Data storage server 274 can be a Web server as is indicated in FIG. 14.In another preferred implementation, the network is disposed on site inthe facility 262 or remotely connects storage server 274 located at adata storage facility remote from facility 262.

Software program 223 can be configured, when executed by electronicdevice 50, e.g. computer 52, to synchronize data stored in each vault 30a, 30 b, and/or 30 c with the data stored onboard the device 50 and/orat the storage server 274 with such data synchronization performed eachtime the device 50 links with each vault 30 a, 30 b, and/or 30 c. Inaddition, where the electronic module 38 of each vault 30 a, 30 b and/or30 c is configured for wireless communication, data storage server 274maybe configured to link directly to each vault 30 a, 30 b and/or 30 cvia a wireless router (not shown) or the like disposed in the facility262 and connected via network 268, such as via the Internet 270, tostorage server 274 enabling data onboard each vault 30 a, 30 b and/or 30c to be uploaded and/or synchronized as needed or desired.

Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of thefollowing claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming thesubject matter regarded as the invention. It is also to be understoodthat, although the foregoing description and drawings describe andillustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionrelates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications andconstructions, as well as widely differing embodiments and applicationswithout thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A protective data holder for mounting to a machine or apparatuscomprising: (a) an electronic module configured to hold digital datarelated to the machine or apparatus comprised of an onboard processorand memory; and (b) a protective housing in which the electronic moduleis disposed and configured for mounting to the machine or apparatus. 2.The protective data holder of claim 1 further comprising an identifierunique to the protective data holder pertaining to the digital data heldby the electronic module.
 3. The protective data holder of claim 2wherein the digital data comprises a database stored in the onboardmemory and the unique identifier is associated with the database.
 4. Theprotective data holder of claim 3 wherein the electronic module furthercomprises a computer link and is configured to hold an executableprogram readable by a computer via the computer link that is configuredto facilitate transfer of data between the computer and the electronicmodule.
 5. The protective data holder of claim 4 wherein the electronicmodule comprises a computer readable drive.
 6. The protective dataholder of claim 5 wherein the electronic module comprises a flash driveand the protective housing comprises a casing in which a receptacle isformed in which the electronic module is received, a cover operativelyconnected to the casing that is movable between a closed positioncovering the receptacle and a position disposed from the closed positionpermitting access to the electronic module in the receptacle, and a sealarrangement in operable cooperation with the casing and the coverproviding a fluid tight seal when the cover is disposed in the closedposition.
 7. The protective data holder of claim 1 wherein theelectronic module comprises a flash drive and the protective housingcomprises a casing in which a receptacle is formed in which theelectronic module is received, a cover operatively connected to thecasing that is movable between a closed position covering the receptacleand a position disposed from the closed position permitting access tothe electronic module in the receptacle, and a seal arrangement inoperable cooperation with the casing and the cover providing a fluidtight seal when the cover is disposed in the closed position.
 8. Theprotective data holder of claim 7 further comprising an identifierunique to the protective data holder pertaining to the digital data heldby the electronic module.
 9. The protective data holder of claim 8wherein the unique identifier comprises an indicia on the protectivehousing viewable by a user.
 10. The protective data holder of claim 8wherein the indicia comprises a code.
 11. The protective data holder ofclaim 8 wherein the electronic module comprises one of a transmitter anda transceiver and wherein unique identifier comprises a wireless signaltherefrom that receivable by an electronic device.
 12. The protectivedata holder of claim 7 wherein the flash drive comprises a computer linkand is configured to hold an executable program readable by a computervia the computer link that is executable by the computer and configuredto facilitate transfer of data between the electronic module and thecomputer.
 13. The protective data holder of claim 12 wherein theexecutable program is further configured to provide digital datasynchronization between the electronic module and the computer.
 14. Theprotective data holder of claim 1 wherein the protective housingcomprises a casing of one-piece, unitary, and substantially homogeneousconstruction having an opening in communication with a receptacle formedtherein in which the electronic module is received and a coveroperatively attached to the casing that is movable between a closedposition covering the opening and a position disposed from the closedposition permitting access to the electronic module in the receptacle.15. The protective data holder of claim 14 wherein the receptacle formedin the casing is elongate, longitudinally extending, and offsetproviding a margin of the casing through which at least one fastener isextendible without intruding into the receptacle enabling the casing tobe fixed to the machine or apparatus using the at least one fastener andfurther comprising at least one fastener extending through the casingmargin for mounting the casing to the machine or apparatus.
 16. Theprotective data holder of claim 15 further comprising a coveringoverlying the at least one fastener that comprises an identifier uniqueto the protective data holder pertaining to data related to the machineor apparatus to which the protective data holder is mounted that isstored in the memory onboard the electronic module.
 17. The protectivedata holder of claim 16 wherein the covering comprises a tag or labelattached to an outer surface of the casing and the unique identifier isassociated with a database stored onboard the electronic modulecomprised of data related to the machine or apparatus.
 18. Theprotective data holder of claim 16 wherein the unique identifiercomprises an indicia on the casing.
 19. The protective data holder ofclaim 18 wherein the indicia comprises a numerical code.
 20. Theprotective data holder of claim 14 wherein the casing is machined of asingle blank of material and the receptacle is integrally formed in thecasing by machining.
 21. The protective data holder of claim 14 whereinthe protective housing further comprises a hinge arrangement integrallyformed of the casing and the cover that pivotally connects the cover tothe casing.
 22. The protective data holder of claim 21 wherein theintegrally formed hinge arrangement comprises a plurality of spacedapart first hinge knuckles integrally formed in one of the casing andcover and a second hinge knuckle integrally formed in the other one ofthe casing and cover and a pivot interconnecting the first and secondhinge knuckles.
 23. The protective data holder of claim 14 wherein thereceptacle formed in the casing is elongate, longitudinally extending,and offset providing part of the casing through which at least onefastener can extend without intruding into the receptacle enablingmounting of the casing using the at least one fastener to the machine orapparatus.
 24. The protective data holder of claim 24 further comprisinga sealing arrangement in operable cooperation with the casing and thecover when the cover is disposed in the closed position fluid tightlysealing the receptacle.
 25. The protective data holder of claim 24wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a seal carried by the coverthat is receivable in the receptacle when the cover is disposed in theclosed position.
 26. The protective data holder of claim 25 wherein thesealing arrangement comprises a polymeric or elastomeric seal plateattached to a surface of the cover that mates with the casing whendisposed in the closed position with the seal plate at least partiallyreceived in the receptacle.
 27. A protective data holder for mounting toa machine or apparatus comprising: (a) an electronic module configuredto hold digital data related to the machine or apparatus comprised of anonboard processor and memory; (b) a protective housing in which theelectronic module is disposed and configured for mounting to the machineor apparatus; and wherein the electronic module comprises a flash driveand the protective housing comprises a casing in which a receptacle isformed in which the electronic module is received, a cover operativelyconnected to the casing that is movable between a closed positioncovering the receptacle and a position disposed from the closed positionpermitting access to the electronic module in the receptacle, and a sealarrangement in operable cooperation with the casing and the coverproviding a fluid tight seal when the cover is disposed in the closedposition.
 28. The protective data holder of claim 27 further comprisingan identifier unique to the protective data holder pertaining to thedigital data held by the electronic module.
 29. The protective dataholder of claim 28 wherein the unique identifier comprises an indicia onthe protective housing viewable by a user.
 30. The protective dataholder of claim 28 wherein the indicia comprises a code.
 31. Theprotective data holder of claim 28 wherein the electronic modulecomprises one of a transmitter and a transceiver and wherein uniqueidentifier comprises a wireless signal therefrom that receivable by anelectronic device.
 32. The protective data holder of claim 27 whereinthe flash drive comprises a computer link and is configured to hold anexecutable program readable by a computer via the computer link that isexecutable by the computer and configured to facilitate transfer of databetween the electronic module and the computer.
 33. The protective dataholder of claim 32 wherein the executable program is further configuredto provide digital data synchronization between the electronic moduleand the computer.
 35. The protective data holder of claim 32 wherein theexecutable program readable by a computer is further configured toenable storage of the digital data in another database remotely linkableto the computer.
 36. The protective data holder of claim 27 wherein thedigital data comprises a database stored in the onboard memory and theunique identifier is associated with the database.
 37. A protective dataholder for mounting to a machine or apparatus comprising: (a) anelectronic module configured to hold digital data related to the machineor apparatus comprised of an onboard processor and memory; (b) aprotective housing in which the electronic module is disposed andconfigured for mounting to the machine or apparatus; and wherein theprotective housing comprises a casing of one-piece, unitary, andsubstantially homogeneous construction having an opening incommunication with a receptacle formed therein in which the electronicmodule is received and a cover operatively attached to the casing thatis movable between a closed position covering the opening and a positiondisposed from the closed position permitting access to the electronicmodule in the receptacle.
 38. The protective data holder of claim 37wherein the receptacle formed in the casing is elongate, longitudinallyextending, and offset providing a margin of the casing through which atleast one fastener is extendible without intruding into the receptacleenabling the casing to be fixed to the machine or apparatus using the atleast one fastener and further comprising at least one fastenerextending through the casing margin for mounting the casing to themachine or apparatus.
 39. The protective data holder of claim 37 whereinthe receptacle formed in the casing is elongate, longitudinallyextending, and offset providing part of the casing through which atleast one fastener can extend without intruding into the receptacleenabling mounting of the casing using the at least one fastener to themachine or apparatus.
 40. The protective data holder of claim 39 furthercomprising a sealing arrangement in operable cooperation with the casingand the cover when the cover is disposed in the closed position fluidtightly sealing the receptacle.
 41. The protective data holder of claim40 wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a seal carried by the coverthat is receivable in the receptacle when the cover is disposed in theclosed position.